Sheriff reports 9.4% rise in part‑1 crimes in Hawaiian Gardens in 2024, outlines enforcement steps

Captain Dan Holguin of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported to the Hawaiian Gardens City Council on March 26 that the city saw a 9.4% increase in part‑1 crimes in 2024 compared with 2023.

Holguin said the department recorded three homicides in 2024 (all described as gang‑related), a 200% increase in rape victims (6 victims in 2024 versus 2 in 2023, explained as a rise measured per victim), 15 robberies (up 7.2%), and a 35.2% increase in aggravated assaults (73 victims, recorded across 51 incidents). "Overall, we had a total increase of 9.4% in all part 1 crimes compared to last year," Holguin said.

Why it matters: the sheriff’s report outlined both where crime rose and the department’s tactics to reduce it—information the city council said it would use in budgeting and public‑safety planning. Holguin described a mix of enforcement, technology and community engagement intended to reduce repeats and identify suspects.

The sheriff identified several specific drivers and responses. Commercial robberies—many thefts that escalated when suspects attempted to leave stores—were cited as a major contributor to the robbery increase. In response, the department began a commercial robbery suppression program in December, described as a 90‑day effort using increased patrols, undercover operations, surveillance, business outreach and data‑driven policing. Holguin said hotspots in the city have been targeted and that the station will continue the strategy through the end of the 90‑day assessment.

Holguin also described violent‑crime patterns. He said many aggravated‑assault counts are logged per victim (for example, a single drive‑by with multiple people nearby may produce multiple aggravated‑assault victims). He described multi‑agency work on gang‑related shootings through a tri‑city enforcement team with Artesia and Lakewood, plus county probation and the station’s OSS (Operation Safe Streets) unit. "We are working directly with our OSS team, our Operation Safe Street gang deputies or detectives and our local probation officers," he said, adding that compliance searches in the last three months led to several arrests and recovery of firearms.

Technology and programs: Holguin credited ShotSpotter alerts, which produced 195 alerts in 2024 and helped detect incidents without citizen calls, and the Flock camera system, which he said helped recover 56 stolen vehicles and led to arrests. He also cited 17 arrests for illegal possession of firearms (including firearms described as ghost guns). "Taking these firearms off the street, will make Hawaiian Gardens a safer place to live," Holguin said.

Holguin described other public‑safety activities: catalytic‑converter‑etching events (45 vehicles processed), steering‑wheel lock giveaways (more than 400 locks obtained from a Hyundai Motor Company partnership), a gun buyback that accepted 18 firearms, fireworks enforcement around July 4 (302 pounds confiscated and 3 citations), and youth and community engagement programs including school visits, a junior safety expo and community events.

Council reaction and follow‑up: Council members thanked the captain and asked how the city could help. Several council members praised community policing and increased engagement, and asked about additional cameras or mobile surveillance. Holguin said additional surveillance and tactical mobile cameras can assist investigators and discussed the possibility of drones pending further review. Council members asked for mid‑year status updates on ongoing suppression programs and encouraged continued coordination with schools and businesses.

What this article does not claim: The council and captain discussed trends, responses and short‑term operations; the transcript did not record any new ordinance, budget appropriation, or formal policy change enacted at the March 26 meeting.